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By Thelma Mantac Ramos, Washington USA
Pandan Antique Foundation (PAF) had envisioned a surgical wing at Pandan, Antique's local hospital in the Philippines.  This would have taken years to materialize, but thanks to Melinda Pechangco Liberman, this dream is fast becoming a reality.
A native of Pandan and the widow of the late Alex Liberman of New York, Mrs. Liberman has been benevolence personified when she decided to fully fund the construction of the multi-million peso surgical unit. This state-of-the-art edifice will be aptly named the Alex Liberman Surgical Pavilion.
Dr. Robert Peter Alojipan, President of Pagtatap Philippines, who has been bringing his medical mission to Pandan since the 1980's, was actively involved in the planning and design of the surgical building. Dr. Cesar D. Candari, PAF Chairman of the Board, and Daughlet Bautista Ordinario, PAF treasurer, both in San Diego, and Jiji Bautista Exequiel of Mnaila were in close communication with Mrs. Liberman in New York during the building's negotiation and finalizing of the building contract.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 13, 2001, with Antique's governor Sally Zaldivar Perez, a native of Pandan, in attendance along with other provincial and local dignitaries. Atty. Benjamen Candari, Jr., who is also from Pandan and practicing in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, represented PAF. Completion date is set for April 2002, in time for Dr. Alojipan's medical mission team from the Makati Medical Center and the nurse volunteers from the U.S. headed by Vicky Bautista Seron.
Established in July 2000 as a nonprofit organization registered in California, PAF takes great pride in having been able to successfully launch and persevere in its mission to improve the lives and well being of the people of Pandan. Its projects and activities include drug prevention, scholarship, leadership training, and recreational facilities for the youth; medical missions and health equipment, facilities and supplies; cultural and environmental preservation; and self-sufficiency.
PAF reached a huge milestone in Antique's history when in November 2000, four months into its existence, it was put to a rigorous test as it took a stand to oppose Metro Manila Development Authority's plan to dump Metro Manila's garbage on Semirara Island in Antique province. It was a hard-fought battle against formidable odds, but with Pagtatap USA, Pagtatap Philippines, and United Antiqueños rallying behind, and with the financial support from Pandananons (natives of Pandan) and their friends all over the world, Semirara Island was left untouched and unsullied.
The strength, staying power, and success of PAF's endeavors are greatly dependent on individuals and organizations that are generous of their time, talent, and resources to help accomplish PAF's goals. A case in point is Mrs. Liberman who has not forgotten her birthplace and has therefore made it possible for her less fortunate town mates to enjoy the blessings of her bounty. Her spirit of giving is indeed inspiring and gratifying. |
